2000 CARIGNANE

DRY CREEK VALLEY

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
The Carignane from this vineyard typically yields a rich, deeply colored wine and 2000 was no exception. The wine, supple and elegant on the palate, delivers mouth-filling raspberry fruit with hints of blueberry, vanilla and spice before its long refreshing finish. The amount of Carignane we receive is highly limited, and it is usually blended with the Zinfandel from this vineyard, but a small amount was available for separate bottling in 2000; we wish there were more.

APPELLATION:
Dry Creek Valley

VINEYARDS:
J. Teldeschi Vineyards, from well established head-pruned vines 40-60 years old. This Carignane block is on a hillside behind and slighly north of, the Dry Creek General Store, on the east side of the valley.

VINTAGE:
Early September heat led to a harvest consistent with warmer years, though earlier than 1998-99. The sugars were, however, on a par with previous years and were balanced by good acidity. The grapes displayed the mature flavors and great concentration typical of this vineyard, yielding the darkest and most complex Carignane we have found.

COMPOSITION:
Carignane 98%, Zinfandel 2%